What we are doing

Oshawa Power continues to actively participate in ongoing projects, support our community and ensure the safety of our employees and customers.

Oshawa Power was very proud to support All or Nothing Brewery in their efforts to produce much needed hand sanitizer to be supplied to the frontline workers. We continue to supply a reliable source of power to enable businesses to pivot and remain open to serve the community.

Oshawa Power recently supported Lakeridge Health services with their efforts to set up a mobile testing site.  As Lakeridge prepares to set up mobile quarters for staff working long hours, Oshawa Power is committed to expedite the process to provide power and data to them. During this critical time, Oshawa Power recognizes the importance of uninterrupted supply of power to support Lakeridge’s efforts in battling COVID-19 and this remains one of our top priorities.

Earlier this week, our President and CEO, Ivano Labricciosa participated in the Mayor’s Small Business Telephone Town Hall as a panel member. Questions were answered regarding the impact of COVID-19 on local businesses, impact on staffing, and long-term financial impacts. Additionally, there were inquiries on local construction sites and safety. The City of Oshawa will be releasing a recording of the town hall within the next week. We will be sure to share it.

Safety and our staff

Electricity is an essential service. Oshawa Power is continuing with construction projects to ensure the electricity supply remains stable. We understand the importance of reliable electricity during these times where so many households have people working from home. We have implemented barriers to keep our staff safe while we continue with these projects. Barriers include limit of approach, personal protective equipment, and adjusting procedures. This proven 3 Barrier safety practice, already in use for our industry, has been adapted to protect our workers from the hazard of COVID – 19.

If you do see our crews working in your neighbourhood we ask that you keep your distance. To keep our workers safe and healthy we are asking that the public respect a 5-metre distance.

For our inside staff additional safety measures include: workingfrom home where applicable, enhanced office cleaning and sanitizing, workstation relocation, social distancing, limiting visitors to the office, and conducting virtual meetings.

Oshawa Power will continue with day-to-day customer service, design projects, construction and customer projects so long as we can keep our workers safe and respect the safety guidelines put in place by Government and Public Health officials.

Support for Household Projects

With more people at home it is certain that the number of household projects will increase. We want to assure that we have staff available to assist you with these projects. If you are doing any electrical work, we recommend you hire a licenced electrician.  Some projects will require an electrical upgrade and we are here to support you. Just fill out our Service Request Form and we will respond within 1-2 days. All electrical projects need to be inspected by the Electrical Safety Authority before reconnection.

April is Dig Safe month! In 2019, there were 4,940 reported damages as a result of not calling Ontario One Call first. If are planning any projects that required digging please call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255, it is the law.

It is always important to receive feedback to ensure we are staying connected to and meeting your needs. It is also comforting for our team to receive your support – we want to hear from you. Please send us your thoughts and messages and we will share them with our team.

Email: ceo@opuc.on.ca

Phone: 905-743-5207

Stay Up to Date

As we navigate through these unchartered times as a result of COVID-19 please take comfort in knowing that Oshawa Power is here for you. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook @oshawapower for the latest updates and check our COVID-19 webpage regularly.

Stay up-to-date on COVID-19 and learn the facts about this virus via http://www.durham.ca/NovelCoronavirus.

More information about COVID-19 and what you can do if you are experiencing symptoms can be found at: http://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

Ontario Energy Board

https://www.oeb.ca/

The Government of Ontario website

https://www.ontario.ca/page/government

The following are quick links that can be followed for further information

Government of Canada

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html

Lakeridge Health

https://www.lakeridgehealth.on.ca/en/index.asp

COVID-19: Time-of-Use Rates Suspended for 45 Days

The Government of Ontario is providing temporary 45-day emergency relief to support Ontarians impacted by the global COVID-19 outbreak. As of Tuesday, March 24, 2020, households, farms and small businesses who pay time-of-use electricity rates will be charged off-peak rates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What does this mean for your bill?

On your bill you will see your consumption that was used prior to March 24, 2020 will be charged at the normal regulated Time of Use rates and any consumption used after March 24, 2020 will be charged at the flat 10.1¢. Your first bill with the new rates reflected are due to be issued after April 7, 2020. It will show usage from both time periods.

As a result of having a bill that represents two different time periods you will see six line items that will detail your usage. See the sample bill below.

• Two line items to represent On Peak – One to represent consumption used before March 24, 2020 and one to represent consumption used after March 24, 2020
• Two line items to represent Mid Peak – One to represent consumption used before March 24, 2020 and one to represent consumption used after March 24, 2020
• Two line items to represent Off Peak – One to represent consumption used before March 24, 2020 and one to represent consumption used after March 24, 2020

The temporary suspension of the Time of Use rates will only affect customers who are currently paying the province’s regulated Time of Use Rates. If you are currently enrolled in a third party retailer contract or if you are paying the province’s regulated Tiered Pricing plan you will not see any change on your bill.

To find out more details about your bill we encourage you to log into your online account.

If you are concerned about a possible postal service stoppage or would prefer not to have manual handling and delivery of your bill, you can switch to paperless billing by visiting https://www.oshawapower.ca/ebilling

If you need assistance please don’t hesitate to contact us by email here or by calling us at 905-723-4623. We have representatives available to assist you from 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday.

COVID-19: Time-of-Use Rates Suspended for 45 Days

The Government of Ontario is providing temporary 45-day emergency relief to support Ontarians impacted by the global COVID-19 outbreak. As of Tuesday, March 24, 2020, households, farms and small businesses who pay time-of-use electricity rates will be charged off-peak rates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

With this, Oshawa Time of Use (TOU) consumers will not be subject to TOU rates and will be paying the lowest available rate of 10.1¢ per kWh during this period.

Oshawa Power is ready to implement this change on your bill. We are working diligently to ensure this reduction in rate is executed quickly and accurately.

It is expected that this will save the average residential TOU consumer about $24.00 over the 45 day period, and about $300.00 for a small commercial TOU customer.

What will change on your bill?

On your bill you will see your consumption that was used prior to March 24, 2020 will be charged at the normal regulated Time of Use rates and any consumption used after March 24, 2020 will be charged at the flat 10.1¢. Your first bill with the new rates reflected are due to be issued after April 7, 2020. It will show usage from both time periods.

No action is required by electricity consumers: this change will be applied automatically for everyone paying time-of-use rates, for electricity consumed starting at 12:00 a.m. EST on March 24, 2020.

Oshawa Power is here to support you through this unprecedented time. We are offering our customers payment flexibility and assistance to those who need it. Please contact our office to see what option is best for your situation. You can reach out to our Customer Service team Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm at 905-723-4623 or through email here .

It is always important to receive feedback to ensure we are staying connected to and meeting your needs. It is also comforting for our team to receive your support – we want to hear from you. Please send us your thoughts and messages and we will share them with our team.

Email: ceo@opuc.on.ca

Phone: 905-723-4626 ext 5243

Where to get help

To get additional help on your hydro bill you can reach out to the following organizations:

Affordability Fund Trust

Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

Housing Stability Program

To receive community help

The Regional Municipality of Durham has launched a Community Resources webpage with information on resources available to support vulnerable and unsheltered members in our community, as well as local community agencies that are actively seeking volunteers to help in a safe way.

Feed the Need Durham

Salvation Army Oshawa

Simcoe Hall Settlement House

Back Door Mission for the Relief of Poverty

Community Development Council Durham

Durham Region Care Mongers – 1-888-573-0982

We are open for business

Premier Doug Ford announced Monday afternoon that businesses deemed non-essential have been ordered to close Tuesday night as part of escalating government measures meant to curb the spread of COVID-19. Utility companies are on the list as essential.

Oshawa Power would like to assure you that we are here and will continue to operate to ensure your power continues to flow. Oshawa Power is taking extreme precaution to protect our staff and the public and do our part to help reduce the spread the COVID-19.

You will see our workers out there and we ask that you help us practice and maintain our physical distancing objectives so that we can continue to maintain a COVID-19 free environment and stay committed to you as we work to get through this situation together.

“The grocery store clerks, transit and hydro workers and truckers are out there on the front lines making sure the people of Ontario continue to have access to the products and services they need,” Ford said in a statement.

“It is essential that their workplaces be kept as safe as possible so these local heroes can return home to their families worry-free.” As stated in a news release from the Premier’s office

The news release detailed Ontarians will still have access to grocery stores and pharmacies, and their power and telecommunications will continue to run.

Our dedicated and committed people are here in Oshawa working in your neighborhood for you during these uncertain times. You will see them trying to make your day as comfortable as possible – keeping the lights on, keeping your work plans happening and ensuring whatever way you want to interact with us that we are here to serve you. We are prepared and have plans in place to meet your needs and continue to maintain safe, reliable service to all of our customers for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak, however long it may be.

It is always important to receive feedback to ensure we are staying connected to and meeting your needs. It is also comforting for our team to receive your support – we want to hear from you. Please send us your thoughts and messages and we will share them with our team.

Email: ceo@opuc.on.ca

Phone: 905-723-4626 ext 5243

Dear valued customers,

We are in this together

Our dedicated and committed people are here in Oshawa working in your neighborhood for you during these uncertain times. You will see them trying to make your day as comfortable as possible – keeping the lights on, keeping your work plans happening and ensuring whatever way you want to interact with us that we are here to serve you. We are prepared and have plans in place to meet your needs and continue to maintain safe, reliable service to all of our customers for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak, however long it may be.

We are respecting physical distancing

You will see our workers out there and we ask that you help us practice and maintain our physical distancing objectives so that we can continue to maintain a COVID-19 free environment and stay committed to you as we work to get through this situation together. We can confirm that there are no cases of COVID-19 currently within our organization and we are following recommendations to keep employees and their families safe.

We are here for you

We are here – we will answer your telephone call, we will answer your email, we will process your online requests. We will maintain the electricity grid, we will respond to service calls, and we will keep the lights on for you and your family.

It is always important to receive feedback to ensure we are staying connected to and meeting your needs. It is also comforting for our team to receive your support – we want to hear from you. Please send us your thoughts and messages and we will share them with our team.

Email: ceo@opuc.on.ca

Phone: 905-723-4626 ext 5243

We will continue to support you

As part of our commitment to put our customers first, Oshawa Power has previously announced the suspension all electricity disconnections until further notice.

If you are concerned about paying your bill, are impacted or experiencing hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage you to please call us to discuss flexible payment options and financial assistance programs.

We hope these added measures provide customers with peace of mind so they can concentrate on what matters most – keeping their loved ones safe.

Thank you for your ongoing support and remain healthy and safe,

Ivano Labricciosa

President and CEO
 

 

ANNOUNCEMENT

March 20, 2020

Oshawa Power Hears Your Concerns Over Electricity Costs

Oshawa Power understands our customers have concerns over electricity costs during this very difficult time. As a local distribution company we do not have the authority to revise time of use rates, however, we are contributing input to the Ministry of Energy and industry associations while they review options available to customers across the province.

We are here for you

As part of our commitment to put customers first, Oshawa Power has previously announced the suspension all electricity disconnections until further notice.

If you are concerned about paying your bill, are experiencing hardship or have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, please call us to discuss flexible payment options and financial assistance programs.

We hope these added measures provide customers with peace of mind so they can concentrate on what matters most – keeping their loved ones safe.

Available 24 hours:

Online Account Access

Customer Self Service Centre

Contractor’s Corner

Outage News

Other Assistance Available:

Affordability Fund Trust

Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

Housing Stability Program
 

 

Dear Valued Customers:

We are actively monitoring the current situation with the COVID-19 virus and the effects on our community. We would like to keep you informed to what is happening within Oshawa Power relative to the COVID-19 Virus. We are practicing social distancing and while we are business as usual, we are taking precautions to ensure the safe well being of our employees and community.

Oshawa Power remains open for business to serve our customers. In response to the increasing worldwide number of COVID-19 cases, we take the health and safety of our customers, employees, their families and the community very seriously. This includes working to ensure we continue to provide you with the level of service you need and expect of us. We want you to know that your safety and the safety of our employees will remain our top priority as this situation continues to evolve.

We are staying informed.

We continue to monitor information resources closely and are following the latest guidance from local, provincial and federal health authorities, including the CDC, Health Canada and World Health Organization and the Region of Durham, to ensure that our practices are aligned with the latest recommendations for mitigating risk in the spread of the virus.

Connect with us your way.

In an effort to support social distancing there is a variety of flexible ways to connect with us to ensure your needs are met.

For account inquiries, you can:

• Call us at 905-723-4623
  • You can use our IVR automated self serve options
  • You can select to speak to a live representative
• Email us here
• Set up and/or log into your online account at https://ecareets.opuc.on.ca/myDSM/login.asp
• Utilize our Self Service Hub at https://www.oshawapower.ca/self-service-centre/

Contractors can utilize Contractor’s Corner at https://www.oshawapower.ca/contractors-corner/

We are ready to serve you.

We understand your concerns during this time, so we are taking additional steps to keep our spaces safe for you and our employees. We have increased deep cleaning of our office, every business day, including sanitizing all surfaces, door handles, phones, chair handles, desks, reception areas, and washrooms. We have reduced scheduled visitors and converted scheduled meetings to remote meetings wherever possible. For any staff that have recently travelled outside of the country we have implemented a 14-day self-isolation quarantine before they can return to work. Our staff are here from 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday and ready to serve. If you do come into our office, please take comfort in knowing that we are trying to be as preventative as possible.

In protection of our employees and community, if you are feeling unwell we ask that you do not come into our office.

How to pay your bill.

Oshawa Power accepts payment made:

• Pre-authorized payment
• Telephone or internet electronic payment services offered through your financial institution
• Chartered banks, trust companies and most credit unions
• By cheque by mail (allow 5 days for delivery)
• By Visa, MasterCard and American Express only. A convenience fee will be charged for paying bills using this service – go to credit card payment
• There 2 dropboxes that you can leave your payment:
  • One external dropbox, north of our main doors
  • One internal dropbox located in our lobby

***We no longer accept cash at our main office.***

You can speak to us live.

We are committed to being here for you: our Customer Service team can assist with any inquiries you may have. If you require any special assistance, we encourage you to reach out to us to discuss options.

We will keep you informed.

We are committed to keeping our lines of communication open to inform you of the latest developments. If you need us, we are here to help. For updates, we encourage you to visit us online, follow us on Facebook, or Twitter @oshawapower.

While we understand that there have been several positive cases of COVID-19 in Durham Region, the risk for our community remains low. Stay up-to-date on COVID-19 and learn the facts about this virus via durham.ca/NovelCoronavirus

We recognize that ongoing news related to COV-ID 19 is rapidly changing; we want you to know that providing reliable service, public safety and wellbeing are our first priority. Oshawa Power is here to assist you, support your needs and we will keep the lights on.

Sincerely,

 

Ivano Labricciosa

President and CEO

Oshawa Power
 

 

January – February 2020
Please be aware that for the next six weeks, Oshawa Power is undertaking a Public Awareness of Electrical Safety Survey as part of our electricity distributor scorecards. The survey will take approximately five minutes to complete and will cover safety topics related to power lines, green transformer boxes and more.  To establish the required sample of participants basic demographic information will be requested however please take note that we will not be asking for any identifying information such as hydro account number, home address, and credit card or banking information.

Utility Pulse, on behalf of Oshawa Power, will be carrying out the survey via telephone. If you receive a call, please consider participating. Your responses will help us better target our public safety communications to Oshawa residents.

Results from the survey will be included in Oshawa Power’s annual scorecard, set to be released this fall.  Should you have any questions please contact our office by phone at 905-723-4623 or by email at contactus@opuc.on.ca and we will be happy to help you.  For further information on the Public Awareness of Electrical Safety Survey, please visit the Ontario Energy Board.

To see Oshawa Power’s past scorecards visit Oshawa Power’s Regulatory Affairs page and for more information on Electricity Distributor Scorecards, visit the Ontario Energy Board.

February 4, 2019 – We have received reports from small commercial customers that there are callers impersonating Hydro One calling Oshawa businesses and demanding payment and threatening disconnection.

Let us confirm that Hydro One does not operate in Oshawa and would not be calling our customers to demand payment.

Please do not engage with these callers and call Durham Regional Police to report at 905-579-1520.

If you have questions about your account please call our office at 905-723-4623.